Pool salt calculator
Salt bags to reach your saltwater target ppm.
Short answer: lbs = (gallons × ppm to raise) ÷ 120,000. 20,000 gal × 3,200 ppm ÷ 120,000 ≈ 533 lb = 14 bags of 40 lb. Enter your measurements above and the pool salt calculator returns the quantity, unit conversions and an estimated cost instantly, in imperial or metric — no sign-up needed.
What do you need to measure?
What is the answer?
Salt to add
533 lb
+3200 ppm
40 lb bags
14
Kilograms
242 kg
How does the pool salt calculator work?
lbs = (gallons × ppm to raise) ÷ 120,000.
What does a worked example look like?
20,000 gal × 3,200 ppm ÷ 120,000 ≈ 533 lb = 14 bags of 40 lb.
What do people ask most?
›Ideal salt level?
Most chlorinators target 2,700–3,400 ppm; 3,200 is common.
›Can I use table salt?
No — use pool-grade non-iodized salt only.
Which pool calculator should you use next?
Where can you learn more?
Read field notes on estimating and materials, or browse every calculator we make.
What should you read before you order materials?
Field notes from real jobs that explain the numbers behind this calculator.
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